Single Panel Portable Storage Component

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a single panel portable storage component for use with a computer housing. The single panel portable storage component is comprised of a flexible fabric panel having upper and lower surface. At least one storage component is located on both a first side and a second side of the upper surface. The storage compartments are positioned so that the single panel portable storage component can be configured in a tri-fold storage configuration. The single panel portable storage component further includes a weight balancing component capable of exerting a force which is counter to the force that may be exerted by an uneven weight distribution of objects placed in the storage compartments.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of storage devices, and in particular to a portable apparatus adapted to be transported in a tri-fold configuration or mounted on a personal computer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 a, 1 b and 1 c illustrate a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a single panel portable storage component mounted on varying sizes of personal computer housings.

FIGS. 2 a and 2 b illustrate a top perspective view of two different embodiments of a single panel portable storage component in a flattened configuration.

FIGS. 3 a and 3 b illustrate a bottom perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a single panel portable storage component with alternative types of weight balancing components.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a single panel portable storage component in the tri-fold storage configuration.

FIGS. 5 a, 5 b and 5 c illustrate a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a single panel portable storage component system adapted for functional or decorative display of objects.

GLOSSARY

As used herein, the term “storage component” means a component capable of holding items for future use.

As used herein, the term “personal computer housing” means the enclosure that contains the main components of a desktop computer (e.g., motherboard, central processing unit, memory card, power supply unit).

As used herein, the term “weight balancing component” means a component capable of holding a single panel storage component in place when the weight of the objects on one side of the storage component exceeds the weight on the other side of the storage component. Examples of a weight balancing component include hook-and-eye fabric (e.g., Velcro™), a panel which holds a single panel in place, an inner surface capable of creating a traction force sufficient to resist movement of the panel, hook structures, counterweights, bungee cords, or any other structure that may be fully enclosed within the single panel structure when it is folded.

As used herein, the term “tri-fold storage design” means a design wherein a signal panel structure is designed to be folded into thirds for transport and storage. A tri-fold storage design may further include fasteners, reinforced seams, handles, securing components and storage compartment configurations to facilitate portability.

As used herein, the term “tri-fold storage fastener” is a fastener or securing device such as a hook, snap, tab, bungee, strap, cord, wrap or other component for securing and apparatus in a tri-fold position.

As used herein, the term “grasping component” means a strap, handle, or outer casing with a strap, handle, drawstring, harness, hook, bungee or any other component adapted for carrying or grasping.

BACKGROUND

U.S. Pat. No. 7,165,687 (Stevens '687) teaches a storage organizer device comprised of multiple rigid plastic panels to which modular storage units are selectively attached. This storage system is directed at solving the common problem of increasing storage space for personal computer accessories and office items by resting the storage on the outer housing of a personal computer enclosure.

The system taught by Stevens '687, however, has several drawbacks. The first drawback of the Stevens '687 design is that it requires attachment of numerous separately configured components through separate processes. The plastic panels are rigid and include “separately constructed” floor walls which join two plastic walls. The separate construction of the various walls and the modular component results in substantial manufacturing costs. Moreover, the apparatus in Stevens '687 requires the back and front panel to be secured by separately attached “fabric closures” which must also be separately attached and configured.

A second problem with the apparatus taught by Stevens '687 and similar devices known in that art is that the apparatus is not designed to be portable. The separate panels and closures are not capable of being folded for storage without appendages or attachments being easily lost in transit.

A third problem with the apparatus taught in Stevens '687 is that it does not readily accommodate the proliferation of personal computer types and sizes having varying casing dimensions. The apparatus disclosed by Stevens '687 is constructed of separate side and top panels which must be cut in proportions that correspond to the personal computers on which they are being used. In particular, the top panel must have a width that is narrower than the top of the personal computer on which it is being used. In addition, the hinged portion or seam between the panels must align and/or correspond to the corners or the angles of the personal computer housing.

It is desirable to have a personal computer storage apparatus that can be used for any size computer housing, without the need to stock varying sizes of the apparatus.

It is further desirable to have an economically manufactured storage apparatus which can be configured from a single panel.

It is further desirable to have an apparatus which can be packaged in substantially flat configuration for shipping and storage.

It is further desirable to have an apparatus which does not require the use of components to join or affix panels covering opposite sides of the personal computer in order to secure it.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a single panel portable storage component for use with a computer housing. The single panel portable storage component is comprised of a flexible fabric panel having upper and lower surfaces. At least one storage compartment is located on a first side and a second side of the upper surface. The storage compartments are positioned so that the single panel portable storage component can be configured in a tri-fold storage configuration.

The single panel portable storage component further includes a weight balancing component capable of exerting a force which is counter to the force that may be exerted by an uneven weight distribution of objects placed in the storage compartments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the present invention, references are made in the text to exemplary embodiments of a single panel portable storage component, only some of which are described herein. It should be understood that no limitations on the scope of the invention are intended by describing these exemplary embodiments. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that alternate but functionally equivalent materials, dimensions and configurations may be used. The inclusion of additional elements may be deemed readily apparent and obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art. Specific elements disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to employ the present invention.

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale; instead, emphasis has been placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In addition, in the embodiments depicted herein, like reference numerals in the various drawings refer to identical or near identical structural elements.

Moreover, the terms “substantially” or “approximately” as used herein may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related.

FIGS. 1 a, 1 b and 1 c illustrate a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of single panel portable storage component 100 mounted on varying sizes of personal computer housings 10 a, 10 b, 10 c. Single panel portable storage component 100 is comprised of flexible panel 20 which has storage compartments 25 a, 25 b located on the ends of flexible panel 20 for storing computer-related accessories and other items.

The dimensions of single panel portable storage component 100 allow it to be placed over personal computer housings 10 a, 10 b, 10 c of varying dimensions. In the embodiment shown, single panel portable storage component 100 has a length of 24 inches and a width of 16 inches; however, in other embodiments may have a length ranging from 15 to 24 inches and a width ranging from 10 to 19 inches.

Storage compartments 25 a, 25 b may be used to store items frequently used with a personal computer such as type pads, keyboards, computer mouses, flash drives, external hard drives, digital cameras, mp3 players, game controllers, UBS and Ethernet cables, cellular phone cords, chargers for electronic items, and compact discs or any other item that an individual may want easy access to near a computer, such as instruction manuals, paper and pens. Storage compartments 25 a, 25 b allow an individual to store frequently or infrequently used items clearing up space while maintaining easy access to these items.

In the embodiment shown, single panel portable storage component 100 further includes optional flaps 30 a, 30 b which enclose the items stored inside storage compartments 25 a, 25 b and optional expandable panels 40 a, 40 b which allow larger components to be stored inside storage compartments 25 a, 25 b.

In the embodiment shown, flexible panel 20 and storage compartments 25 a, 25 b are comprised of a canvas material, but in other embodiments may be comprised of leather, Naugahyde™, vinyl, wool, mesh, other materials capable of supporting the weight of various accessories and items or combinations thereof.

Single panel portable storage component 100 may be comprised of any color of fabric and may or may not include a pattern or design on the outer surface. In addition, single panel portable storage component 100 may be designed to match or blend into the room or area in which single panel portable storage component 100 is to be used for concealment.

FIGS. 2 a and 2 b illustrate a top perspective view of two different embodiments of single panel portable storage component 100 in a flattened configuration with storage compartments 25 a, 25 b visible.

In FIG. 2 a, storage compartments 25 a, 25 b of single panel portable storage component 100 are each comprised of three equally sized pockets 28 which are separated by fabric dividers 32. In the embodiment shown, dividers 32 are canvas, but in other embodiments may be leather, Naugahyde™, vinyl, wool, mesh, or other types of fabrics and/or may contain or be comprised of rigid material (e.g., cardboard).

In FIG. 2 b, storage compartment 25 a is comprised of a single pocket 28 and a plurality of horizontal sleeves 35 which are sized to hold a compact disc. Pocket 28 and horizontal sleeves 35 are separated by divider 32 which is comprised of the same material as single panel storage component 100. In the embodiment shown, horizontal sleeves 35 are comprised of a transparent plastic; however in other embodiments may be comprised of a fabric or another material and may or may not be transparent.

In the embodiment shown, storage compartment 25 b is comprised of two pockets 28 of unequal sizes and a plurality of vertical sleeves 38 which are designed to hold pens, pencils or another similarly shaped component. Pockets 28 and vertical sleeves 38 are each separated by dividers 32.

In other embodiments, storage compartments 25 are comprised of any number of equally or unequally sized pockets and/or sleeves designed to accommodate a variety of computer-related accessories and other items. In still other, embodiments, pocket 28 may further include another pocket or smaller enclosed area for storing smaller items associated with a larger item. For example, pocket 28 may be sized to hole an external hard drive and contain a smaller pocket for storing the USB cable. In still other embodiments, one or more storage compartments 25 or pockets 28 may further include a rigid insertion member. For example, the inside of storage compartment 25 may have a thin piece of rigid plastic along the top edge which increases the sturdiness of storage compartment 25.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2 a and 2 b, pockets 28 and dividers 32 are comprised of the same material; however, in other embodiments, pockets 28 and dividers 32 may be comprised of varying materials.

FIGS. 3 a and 3 b illustrate a bottom perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of single panel portable storage component 100 with weight balancing components.

In FIG. 3 a, weight balancing components 50 a, 50 b, 50 c, 50 d are pieces of hook-and-loop fabric secured to the lower surface of single panel portable storage component 100 using adhesive. The corresponding pieces of hook-and-loop fabric would be secured to personal computer housing 10 (not shown) (e.g., by adhesive). In other embodiments, there may be more or fewer weight balancing components 50, the size and location of which may also vary.

In FIG. 3 b, weight balancing components are comprised of hook 60 a and loop 60 b. Hook 60 a is secured near the bottom of the sides of personal computer housing 10. Loop 60 b is attached to the lower surface of single panel portable storage component 100 and when single panel portable storage component 100 is placed over personal computer housing 10, loop 60 b is secured around hook 60 a securing single panel portable storage component 100 to personal computer housing 10. In the embodiment shown, loop 60 b is a stretchable cord, e.g., a bungee cord.

In other embodiments, weight balancing components may be counterweights or another component which is capable of keeping single panel portable storage component 100 on personal computer housing 10 even when the weight of items stored in storage compartments 25 a and 25 b are different. For example, the underside of flexible pane 20 may be comprised of a material or have components (e.g., rubber components) which provide traction and prevent sliding when single panel portable storage component is placed over personal computer housing 10.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of single panel portable storage component 100 folded in a tri-fold. In the embodiment shown, single panel portable storage component 100 further includes an optional fastener, such as hook-and-loop fabric, a tie, a buckle, or a clasp, which allows single panel portable storage component 100 to be secured in the tri-fold configuration and ensure that items stored in storage compartments 25 a, 25 b are secured while single panel portable storage component 100 is being transported.

In the embodiment shown, single panel portable storage component 100 further includes grasping component 70 which allows single panel portable storage component 100 to be easily carried.

FIGS. 5 a, 5 b and 5 c illustrate a perspective view of exemplary embodiments of single panel portable storage component 100 adapted for functional or decorative display of objects.

In FIG. 5 a, single panel portable storage component 100 includes expandable panels 40 a, 40 b, but the top of storage compartments 25 a, 25 b are open to allow the user easy viewing of and access to the items stored in pockets 28.

In FIG. 5 b, storage compartments 25 a, 25 b contain pockets 28 and sleeves 35 which are transparent allowing the user to view the items stored.

In FIG. 5 c, storage compartments 25 a, 25 b have flaps 30 a, 30 b for enclosing storage compartments 25 a, 25 b and for concealing the items stored. In the embodiment shown, storage compartments 25 a, 25 b do not include expandable panels reducing the depth of storage compartment 25 a, 25 b and the size of the items which may be stored. In other embodiments, flaps 30 a, 30 b may further include a fastening mechanism, such as hook-and-loop fabric; a tie, a buckle, or a clasp, which secures flaps 30 a, 30 b to the outer surface of storage compartments 25 a, 25 b.

In other embodiments, the configuration of storage compartment 25 a, 25 b may vary. For example, storage compartment 25 a may include expandable panel 40 a and flap 30 a, while storage compartment 25 b may be without expandable panel 40 a and/or flap 30 b. In still other embodiments, storage compartments 25 a, 25 b have an aperture adapted for displaying stored objects. 

1. A single panel storage apparatus for use with a computer housing comprised of: a flexible fabric panel having dimensions of 15 to 24 inches in length and 10 to 19 inches in width, said flexible fabric panel having an upper surface and a lower surface; at least one storage compartment on a first side of said upper surface and at least on storage compartment on a second side of said upper surface, said storage compartment positioned to facilitate a tri-fold storage configuration; and a weight balancing component capable of exerting a force which is counter to the force that may be exerted by an uneven weight distribution of objects placed in said storage compartment on a first side of said upper surface of said flexible fabric panel relative to the weight of objects placed in said storage compartment on a second side of said flexible fabric panel.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said weight balancing component is a hook-and-eye fabric apparatus comprised of a first panel and a second panel, said first panel having an adhesive backing for affixation to the top surface of a personal computer housing.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 which further includes a weight balancing component selected from a group consisting of a lower surface of said flexible fabric panel capable of creating a traction force sufficient to resist movement of the panel, hook structures, counterweights, bungee cords, or any other structure that may be fully enclosed within the single panel structure when it is folded.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 which includes a plurality of inner chambers and a plurality of outer chambers for storing accessories.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 which further includes a tri-fold storage fastener.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 which is capable of being folded in a flat configuration for packaging.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 which further includes a grasping component which may be grasped by a user when transporting said apparatus.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 which further includes at least one rigid insertion member.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1 which is further configured to have a shape and color which blends with the walls which surround a personal computer housing.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said storage compartments are capable of holding an accessory selected from a group consisting of type pads, keyboards, computer mouses, flash drives, external hard drives, digital cameras, mp3 players, game controllers, UBS and Ethernet cables, cellular phone cords, chargers for electronic items, and compact discs.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said storage compartments have an aperture adapted for displaying stored objects.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said storage compartments further include flaps capable of concealing said stored objects.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said storage compartments further include closure members to ensure that stored objects are not displaced when said apparatus is transported.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said storage compartments are substantially transparent to allow visibility of stored objects.
 15. A method of making a flexible fabric panel storage apparatus for a personal computer consisting of the steps of: cutting a flexible storage panel having dimensions of 15 to 24 inches in length and 10 to 19 inches in width, said flexible fabric panel having an upper surface and a lower surface; affixing a plurality of compartment panels to said flexible fabric storage panel distributed in a manner which allows the weight of said objects to be substantially balanced over a computer housing and which further allows said flexible fabric panel to be transported in a tri-fold configuration; and affixing at least one counterweight component to said panel.
 16. The method of making a flexible fabric panel storage apparatus for a personal computer of claim 15 which further includes the step of matching said flexible fabric panel to the environment in which the personal computer housing is stored for purposes of concealing the appearance of stored objects.
 17. The method of making a flexible fabric panel storage apparatus for a personal computer of claim 15 which further includes the step of matching said flexible fabric panel to environmental decor for a decorative effect.
 18. The method of making a flexible fabric panel storage apparatus for a personal computer of claim 15 which further includes the step of attaching a grasping component.
 19. A system for transporting and storing accessories by mounting them on a personal computer housing comprised of: a flexible fabric panel having dimensions of 15 to 24 inches in length and 10 to 19 inches in width, said flexible fabric panel having an upper surface and a lower surface; at least one storage compartment on a first side of said upper surface and at least one storage compartment on a second side of said upper surface, said storage compartment positioned to facilitate a tri-fold storage configuration; a weight balancing component capable of exerting a force which is counter to the force that may be exerted by a uneven weight distribution of objects placed in said storage compartment on a first side of said upper surface of said flexible fabric panel relative to the weight of objects placed in said storage compartment on a second side of said flexible fabric panel; and an outer housing having a grasping component into which said flexible fabric panel may be stored when said flexible fabric panel is in the tri-fold position.
 20. The system of claim 19 which further includes at least one accessory selected from a group consisting of type pads, keyboards, computer mouses, flash drives, external hard drives, digital cameras, mp3 players, game controllers, UBS and Ethernet cables, cellular phone cords, chargers for electronic items, and compact discs. 